Reconstruction des pertes de substance de membres inférieurs par lambeau libre en urgence. À propos de 35 ans d’expérience

Abstract

Authors analyzed 89 cases (86 patients) of lower limb extensive soft tissue defects reconstruction during 1978 to 2013. The mean age is 37 years and 2 months old (range: 5-84 years old). A total of 71 males and 15 female were included. Free flaps were used in emergency in 23 cases for principally covering Gustilo 3B open lower limb fracture and in a later stage for 66 cases all referred from their center for coverage of exposed bone, with frequently osteomyelitis. About the selection of free flaps, in 47 cases we used a latissimus dorsi flaps, 12 cases of epiploon free transfer (in septic area), 10 cases of gracilis transfer and 10 serratus anterior flaps. There are one medial gastrocnemius flap, 2 composite soleus and fibular free flap, 2 antebrachial flap, one inguinal myoosteocutaneous flap, 1 transferred from the other lower limb and one inguinal cutaneous flap. There are 18 free flap losses: one in emergency and 17 after delayed reconstruction. Authors retrospectively analyzed the results (complications, osteomyelitis) according to the timing for lower extremity reconstruction. They found a low infection and flap failure rates (4%) when the coverage is made in the same operating time than initial fracture fixation, they increase to 60% for osteomyelitis and to 23% for flap failure when the reconstruction is delayed.